Development Associate, Wrestling

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Development Associate, Wrestling

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The Development Assistant, Wrestling is a temporary role responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support for the Penn Wrestling program. This position works closely with the Major Gift Officer for Penn Wrestling, and the Sr. Associate Athletics Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the broader Penn Champions Club development team and the Wrestling coaching staff to secure philanthropic support for the program's annual fund, endowment, capital priorities with a constant focus on improving the student-athlete experience.

This role would ideally start in August of 2026 and go through the end of the fiscal year with the possibility of extending it through the first quarter of FY28.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Assist Major Gift Officer(s), Assistant Development Officers, Director of Annual Giving, and Sr. Associate AD, Development & Alumni Relations on Wrestling-specific annual fund growth strategies
• Cultivate and solicit the Penn Wrestling community for annual fund support, specifically maximizing the Penn Wrestling campaign and annual fund initiative focused on new or increased support from Wrestling donors.
• Partner and Collaborate with the Penn Wrestling Board and the Penn Wrestling Development Subcommittee on various fundraising efforts
• Assist Major Gift Officer(s), Assistant Development Officer and Sr. Associate AD, Development & Alumni Relations on the Wrestling portfolio of major gift prospects, focusing on donors capable of making gifts of $25,000+ in support of Penn Wrestling and related athletics priorities.
• Assist the Major Gift Officer, Assistant Development Officer and Sr. Associate AD, Development & Alumni Relations Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts for the Penn Wrestling Fund, operational endowment, and capital initiatives.
• Work closely with the Head Wrestling Coach and athletics leadership to engage alumni, parents, and supporters in meaningful fundraising and stewardship opportunities.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation strategies that lead to increased philanthropic support and long-term donor engagement.
• Attend Wrestling donor meetings, prospect visits, and stewardship events, including meet day engagement for wrestling meets.
• Travel to out-of-region donor meetings, matches, tournaments, and events in partnership with Major Gift Officer(s) and/or the Sr. Associate AD, Development & Alumni Relations to steward, identify, cultivate and solicit annual fund and major gift prospects
• Assist Major Gift Officer(s) in expanding the major gift pipeline by identifying new prospects among alumni, parents, and friends of Penn Wrestling.
• Collaborate with Penn Champions Club colleagues on annual fund growth and donor recognition opportunities.
• Partner with Major gift Officers, Sr. Associate AD, Development & Alumni Relations, and central development teams at the University of Pennsylvania to advance prospects capable of principal and leadership gifts that benefit Penn Wrestling and DRIA's cross-Divisional priorities (Nutrition, Mental Health, PAWLA)

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Division of Recreation & Intercollegiate Athletics

Pay Range

$7.25 - $15.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.